Turned down for a bank account

[Christi and Ian 24]

My husband opened an account with B of A before we even started the immigration process. It wasn't until a month later that we thought it would be a good idea to add me to his account. His credit isn't the greatest in the UK either, but they had no problem opening an account with him using just his passport.

He did open the account in person though.

[sachinky 464]

We opened our joint account with a local bank while we were engaged.

[mrs. wife! 3]

I think you were denied because you didn't go there in person.

My husband tried to add me on his B of A account while we were still in Brazil and they said for non US citizens we have to go in person and apply. For security reasons, I don't know...

I don't think it has nothing to do with your credit... just go there in person and I think you should be ok.

Let's us know how it went, please =)

[Leigh Ann 8]

We tried to add my husband to my BofA account, and they refused him b/c no SSN and no non-tourist visa.

[hobbitofohio 10]

If you have a Walmart with a Woodforest Bank, Woodforest should not be a problem to open the account.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I arrived here on my K1 visa three weeks ago and recieved my Social Security card this morning. So, I went online to Bank of America to apply for the basic checking account. I wanted an account with them as my fiance has one with them too.

I completed the simple form, gave my social security number and have just recieved an email a few hours later saying that my application has been declined!!! What am I supposed to do now? I know I have limited credit history as I've only just got here but how else am I supposed to get an account for AOS proof and for later when I have a job??

I'm really suprised at this. I don't have great credit in the UK, but I didn't think that would effect me here. My UK bank is all in good standing and is still in use and open.

It is because your social security number is not in the online system for the IRS yet, and that is the system the bank uses. It can take several weeks for the SS Administration to update the IRS on new numbers.

So...stand up. Turn off the computer. Take your ID and social security number to the local bank, it is building labled B-A-N-K and open an account. Or wait until the online records catch up if you will shrivel in the sunshine.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

Rachel,

drones are bad, computers are worse.

Drones have little brains, computers have none. Go to your local BofA b ranch, open an account and ask them to waive the fee 'cause the Citibank branch next door offered you the same courtesy. If they refuse, speak with the MANAGER!

[SuperDuper! 230]

try going to another bank. wells fargo is easy on first time immigrants. especially if you are a student of any kind. they will give you free credit card and checking.

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

It is because your social security number is not in the online system for the IRS yet, and that is the system the bank uses. It can take several weeks for the SS Administration to update the IRS on new numbers.

So...stand up. Turn off the computer. Take your ID and social security number to the local bank, it is building labled B-A-N-K and open an account. Or wait until the online records catch up if you will shrivel in the sunshine.

Theres no need for rudeness. I'm very well aware of what a bank is! You sound like you're speaking to someone who doesn't have a clue. I've been working and have had a bank account for many years. I thought everyone's here to help one another. And actually, Russ and I are absolutely rushed off our feet at the moment. We are getting married in 4 days and renovating our house. We have been planning our wedding for over a year so it is a very big deal for us to do it properly. The intention of completing an application online was to save some much needed time and to save money, as I have already explained.

Thanks to everyone else for your helpful replies. I will go in, in person.

Edited June 24, 2010 by RUSSandRACHEL

[desertblue88 0]

It is 110% because you are a non-US Citizen. Non-US Citizens cannot use the online form.

Quick Fix go directly into Bank of America and they will go ahead and set you up with what you need.

It's that simple

[uscmom 0]

You have to go to a branch / local bank, you cannot do it online because there is no history on your ssn yet. And sometimes, even if there is existing history if there a single discrepancy on information provided (even just initial) your application may be denied.

Credit report is not a requirement for you to open an account. Just bring 2 identification card with you and you should be ok.

By the way, if you want to start building your credit score, start applying for a secured credit card where you put a deposit equivalent to the credit limit and the deposit will be refunded to you after a year. And make sure you make timely payment and do not maximize the card that way you can have excellent score.

Edited June 24, 2010 by uscmom

[SuperDuper! 230]

Theres no need for rudeness. I'm very well aware of what a bank is! You sound like you're speaking to someone who doesn't have a clue. I've been working and have had a bank account for many years. I thought everyone's here to help one another. And actually, Russ and I are absolutely rushed off our feet at the moment. We are getting married in 4 days and renovating our house. We have been planning our wedding for over a year so it is a very big deal for us to do it properly. The intention of completing an application online was to save some much needed time and to save money, as I have already explained.

Thanks to everyone else for your helpful replies. I will go in, in person.

a 5 year old knows what a bank is. Do you really want to take yourself down to the posters level? Just ignore,

Good luck.

[MRStee 19]

I suggest you take another look at the I-485 instructions.... other than a marriage certificate, there is NO other "proof" for AOS needed with the initial submission. If and only if you have an interview would this information be required for AOS.... you have some more time to get it together than you might think

I agree. We were one of the lucky ones that our case was transferred to CSC so we didn't even need bank info. I also have Bank of America and I spoke to a teller and he said all we needed was Id and marriage cert to add him. Maybe the way to go isn't online but to go into an actual branch. You shouldn't have any problems. Good luck to you

[MRStee 19]

You have to go to a branch / local bank, you cannot do it online because there is no history on your ssn yet. And sometimes, even if there is existing history if there a single discrepancy on information provided (even just initial) your application may be denied.

Credit report is not a requirement for you to open an account. Just bring 2 identification card with you and you should be ok.

By the way, if you want to start building your credit score, start applying for a secured credit card where you put a deposit equivalent to the credit limit and the deposit will be refunded to you after a year. And make sure you make timely payment and do not maximize the card that way you can have excellent score.

Thanks for this info!

[payxibka 10,044]

It is 110% because you are a non-US Citizen. Non-US Citizens cannot use the online form.

Quick Fix go directly into Bank of America and they will go ahead and set you up with what you need.

It's that simple

Not true.... I have opened a couple of bank accounts for my wife online... maybe because she is a non-RESIDENT not because she is a non citizen